Abby's Army
In 2025, Release Mates' General Manager, Abby Harland, felt that the team could offer more to the people it supports. Issues for people leaving prison extend beyond the day of release. As more people are being released due to the overcrowding of prisons, the burden upon statutory services has increased significantly. It became noticeable that people we supported on the day of release were having issues with:
- Finances
- Thinking and Behaviour
- Addiction
- Finding permanent accommodation
- Family ties
- Adhering to licence conditions
Abby decided to start Release Mates' very own lived experience aftercare programme. Each person supported by Release Mates is mentored for up to 12 months after their release from prison. They are contacted regularly by phone and visited in-person. Should a person raise an issue, Release Mates is equipped to go and see the person to help resolve the problem.
Some people who leave prison have nobody to talk to, they become lonely and sometimes angry. Abby's Army has become an immediate hit with our beneficiaries. Just having someone at the end of the phone to vent to, or to talk to when things are difficult is a simple idea which is making a huge difference!
To contact Abby about her army, email:
